Various models of steppers can inform the user about certain data. Among which there are also the simplest ones in the form
of training time,
distance,
speed,
step frequency,
number of steps,
heart rate measurement,
calorie consumption, generated power; and more advanced ones such as training chart,
recovery test, fat analyzer, body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate (BMR), etc.
— Training time. The display of training time can include both a total time counter and specialized functions — for example, the time spent in the “target zone” (working at a certain heart rate that is optimal for a particular mode), the total training time per day/week/month, etc. Specific features differ from model to model.
— Distance. Display of the "distance travelled" — the distance conditionally overcome by the user during the workout. By default, this feature displays the distance travelled since the machine was turned on, but some models may have more advanced features, such as summing up over a certain period.
— Speed. Displaying the conditional speed of the athlete (that is, the speed that would give the same load as the work on the stepper at the current moment). Usually, a function
...is provided to display the current speed, however, some models can also calculate the average speed of the distance — this provides additional features for monitoring loads and tracking progress.
— Walking frequency. Displaying the frequency of steps. In general, it is similar to informing about speed (see above) and is also useful for accounting and analyzing loads.
— Number of steps. Displays the total number of steps taken by the user. In the simplest models, steps are counted from the moment they are turned on, in more advanced versions, summation over a certain period, calculation of the average amount per workout, and other additional features may be provided.
— Heart rate measurement. The ability to measure the athlete's heart rate during training. This parameter is one of the most important for any serious training on the machine because, for different purposes (burning fat, maintaining tone, strengthening the cardiovascular system), the optimal heart rate will be different. It also depends on several other parameters: gender, age, physique, physiological characteristics, etc. Exceeding the maximum allowable heart rate is fraught with unpleasant health consequences. You can learn more about this in the specialized literature, and best of all, consult a trainer or doctor. To measure the heart rate special sensors are used. Different models of steppers can have different sensor designs: a clip on the ear, a chest sensor with a belt, sensitive plates on the handrails, etc.
— Calorie consumption. It displays the amount of energy expended by the athlete during training. This allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the training to a certain extent, especially if it is aimed at burning fat and you need to track energy expenses. Note that in most steppers, the estimate of calorie consumption is made quite approximately, without taking into account the individual characteristics of the body. However, for amateur training, this accuracy is quite enough.
— Recovery test. The presence of a recovery test function allows you to determine the rate of recovery of the body after physical exertion and, accordingly, its general physical condition and fitness for such loads. Usually, for this, the heart rate is measured twice — immediately after training and 1 minute later — after which the machine gives an estimate, which is deciphered using special tables. Recovery test machines are, by definition, capable of measuring heart rate (see above).
— Generated power. The display shows how much power, in Watts (W), was generated during the workout. Advanced users use this data to gauge the overall level of efficiency of a workout. Upon reaching a certain value of the generated power, you can finish the workout.
— Workout chart. The screen displays a schedule of the training program, which in a convenient form fixes the level of load and the duration of the workout. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy expended, and at the same time, the calories burned, at various stages of the lesson. Additionally, this allows you to take control of the load rate. A decreasing or increasing schedule will tell you when it is desirable to increase the load, and when to reduce it, to evenly distribute forces throughout the entire training program.
— Fat analyzer. The action of the fat analyzer is based on the use of a weak electric current passed through the human body: different types of human tissues have different resistance, and the amount of fat tissue can be deduced from the characteristics of the discharge. This technology is not accurate, but to a certain extent it allows you to evaluate the features of the physique; and by measuring the fat content before and after a course of training, you can get a pretty clear result. Measuring current is considered harmless to healthy people, but has several limitations.
— Body mass index (BMI). The automatic calculation of the body mass index allows you to adjust the training modes for each user, as well as more objectively evaluate the result of training programs. Body mass index (BMI) is the ratio of a person's height to their weight. Calculated using the following formula: weight/height/height. Let's assume that the user weighs 70 kg and is 1.76 m tall. In this case, BMI = 70/1.76/1.76 = 22.6. The normal BMI is considered to be an index from 19 to 24. If the user's BMI is insufficient (less than 19), then the machine will develop workouts based on gaining body density and increasing muscle mass. When the BMI is excessive (over 24), the machine will recommend using a training programme to reduce fat mass.
— Basal metabolic rate (BMR). Ability to calculate basal metabolism — the minimum amount of energy required by the body for normal functioning (for the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems, as well as various organs). In other words, basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy that the body spends directly on functioning, without putting it off in the form of fat tissue. This parameter is extremely important for organizing proper nutrition, especially when exercising to burn fat and reduce excess weight. There are formulas to determine BMR by weight, height, age and sex of a person; however, they allow you to get only an average result, while the machine can take into account many additional factors that affect the metabolic rate. Usually, basal metabolism is determined by energy spent per day.
— Room temperature. The ability to measure and display on the screen of a stepper of indoor temperature. This function will help you more accurately assess the conditions for training and choose the appropriate clothing, as well as, if necessary, take measures to ensure a comfortable temperature (open the window; turn on the air conditioner or the heater).
The above list is not exhaustive; in modern steppers, other types of information can also be displayed on the screen.Dimensions of the equipment are assembled and ready for operation. It is important to note that in reality, more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator.
